Verizon sends invitation, ‘Net flies into iPhone flurry

Is Verizon going to introduce the CDMA iPhone next Tuesday, January 11? A …

Verizon has sent out invitations to a special media event in New York next Tuesday, January 11, which many Apple-watchers believe will be an announcement about the rumored Verizon iPhone. The date matches up with a previous rumor that Apple would announce the Verizon iPhone on the same day; we're beginning to believe it's true.

The invitations were sent to numerous members of the press, to both "regular" gadget bloggers and Apple journalists. (Ars got one as well.) Pictured at the top of this post, the invitation is expectedly vague and doesn't directly give any hint that it might be iPhone related. (Also, don't fault us for the eye bleeding compression on that image—it was sent out from Verizon that way!)

Yesterday, however, rumors from unverified sources began to circulate that Apple planned to announce the Verizon iPhone on the 11th. This, combined with a New York Times report that the device would be coming out "soon," recent leaks of photos and videos believed to be the CDMA iPhone, and speculation that the video was removed from YouTube "likely at Apple's request" are all feeding a speculative frenzy that this event, at long last, is The One.

Why would Apple let Verizon take control of this announcement? Many believers feel that a CDMA iPhone isn't "enough" of a reason for Apple to host its own event and that the company will instead let Verizon have all the glory. An event in NYC immediately after CES is also a little easier on the tech press, many of whom have staff in NYC.

Admittedly, my first reaction was to be skeptical (think Charlie Brown/Lucy/football here), but I have a nagging feeling about this one. Stay tuned for Tuesday, when we'll have a staffer in attendance to deliver the final word when it happens.